Narativ Leadership Story Talks

Narativ Inc
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business

Leadership Story Talks is a podcast hosted by Jerome Deroy, CEO of Narativ, and Julienne Ryan, business author, communication and HR specialist, and frequent Narativ training contributor.In each episode, Jerome and Jules discuss the practices that engage, motivate, develop, retain, and attract people to businesses, whether these are your customers or your employees. Their principles and tools are based on real world stories that leverage listening and storytelling to become a better leader and management professional.

  1. 1d ago

    Leadership Story Talks | One Hour, No Agenda: The Power of Honest Conversation with Martin Koehler

    "You don't have to be something in order to be worth something." What happens when you remove the agenda, the sales pitch, and the pressure to have all the answers—and simply make space for a meaningful conversation? In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, we sit down with Martin Koehler, founder of Over a Cup of Coffee, an initiative built on a deceptively simple idea: one hour, one conversation, no program, no strings attached. After a 25-year international corporate career came to an unexpected end, Martin found himself asking a different question—not "What's next?" but "How can I be useful?" That question led to a series of conversations that ultimately became a new way of helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals find clarity through curiosity. Together, we explore why the most important question is often not the one we think we're asking, how curiosity creates trust, and why success isn't always about becoming more—sometimes it's about recognizing that what you already have is enough. If you've ever wrestled with career transitions, identity, ambition, or simply the desire to have more meaningful conversations, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that listening may be one of the most powerful leadership skills we have. You'll Hear Why losing his executive role ultimately led Martin to discover his life's next chapter.The origin story behind Over a Cup of Coffee and why one conversation changed everything.Why having "no stake in the outcome" creates a uniquely powerful space for honest dialogue.How curiosity helps uncover the real issue hiding beneath the problem people think they have.Why bigger isn't always better—and how social expectations often pull us away from what actually fulfills us.The importance of acknowledging people beyond their titles, roles, and achievements.How replacing "or" with "and" can transform the way we think about identity, success, and possibility.Why authenticity sometimes requires asking difficult questions—and why clarity is often the greatest gift we can offer someone.Martin's simple advice for navigating today's increasingly divided world: be kind and stay curious.Resources Connect with Martin Koehler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-koehler-4802251b/Instagram: @overacup.of.coffee Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    34 min

  2. Jun 22

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Dropping Cover

    “He didn’t say a word. He just stood up and hugged me.” For our 200th episode of Leadership Story Talks, we reflect on one of the most powerful moments from our conversation with Kenny Leahman — a former CIA operative, executive coach, and leadership consultant whose life story is filled with unexpected turns. The story we chose to explore centers on a moment of profound vulnerability. After years of hiding a core part of himself, Kenny made the decision to “drop cover” and come out to a former boss and mentor — a decorated Marine whose reaction Kenny feared and could not predict. Instead of judgment, criticism, or rejection, he was met with something much simpler and much more powerful: a hug. In this debrief, we explore the assumptions we carry into difficult conversations, the courage it takes to align our actions with our values, and how often our fears about how others will respond turn out to be wrong. Kenny’s story reminds us that some of the most significant leadership moments happen not through speeches or strategies, but through empathy, presence, and trust. We also discuss the remarkable way Kenny translated lessons learned in intelligence work—listening, cultural awareness, relationship-building, and trust—into his work as a coach and leadership advisor. His story offers a powerful reminder that the skills required to build trust in high-stakes environments are often the very same skills that help leaders succeed in boardrooms, classrooms, and organizations. Most of all, this conversation invites us to reflect on the moments in our own lives when someone showed up for us in exactly the way we needed—and how those seemingly small moments can shape the course of our lives for years to come. You'll Hear: - Why Kenny’s decision to “drop cover” became a defining moment in his life - How assumptions and fears can distort our expectations of others - What it means to bring your actions back into alignment with your values - The leadership lesson hidden inside a simple hug - Why trust is built through presence, empathy, and consistency - How Kenny carried lessons from intelligence work into executive coaching - The surprising connections between leadership, listening, and human connection - A reflection on the people who showed up for us when it mattered most Resources:  - Kenny Leahman Interview: A Life Uncovered with Kenny Leahman Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    11 min

  3. Jun 15

    Leadership Story Talks | Hidden Patterns That Shape How We Lead Under Pressure with Logan Yonavjak

    “People are always judging you and making assessments of you. Wouldn’t you like to know a better proxy of what most people are thinking rather than just walk around not knowing?” — Logan Yonavjak In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, we sit down with entrepreneur, impact investor, and Founder Readiness Institute CEO Logan Yonavjak for a fascinating conversation about leadership capacity, human development, and the hidden patterns that shape how we lead under pressure. Drawing from her background in impact investing, psychology, and leadership assessment, Logan shares how a pivotal moment in high school — and an unexpected question from a mentor — helped shape the trajectory of her life and career. From wilderness leadership experiences in the Southwest to building AI-powered tools that analyze leadership readiness, this conversation explores what it really means to grow as a leader in increasingly complex environments. Together, we discuss why self-awareness is often missing in professional development, what organizations overlook when promoting leaders, and how AI might help us better understand not just what people say — but what they leave unsaid. You’ll Hear: How a single question from a mentor changed Logan’s life directionWhy leadership breakdowns often happen under pressure and complexityThe concept of “capacity” vs. credentials in leadershipHow AI can identify patterns — and even “negative space” — in communicationWhy many organizations struggle to support leaders as they growThe role of Jungian psychology and adult developmental theory in leadership assessmentHow self-awareness and coachability impact long-term successWhy storytelling, listening, and leadership development are deeply connectedThe difference between personality assessments and measuring developmental capacityLogan’s vision for using AI to support more conscious and effective leadershipResources & Links: Founder Readiness InstituteFounder Readiness Institute YouTube ChannelExperience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    41 min

  4. Jun 8

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Moments That Matter

    “People remember moments more than processes.”In this debrief episode of Leadership Story Talks, we reflect on our conversation with Chris Dyer and explore why the moments leaders choose to acknowledge can have such a lasting impact on culture, trust, and employee engagement.  Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan unpack Chris’s idea that employees rarely remember the day-to-day processes or meetings—but they do remember the moments when leaders paused, noticed their work, and made them feel valued. The conversation explores how acknowledgment, storytelling, and values-based leadership shape whether people feel connected to an organization… or eventually choose to leave it. This episode also dives into the role storytelling plays in making organizational values visible—not just written on a wall or website, but embodied through real actions and real people. You’ll Hear Why leaders need to intentionally “mark the moment” instead of immediately moving on to the next taskHow acknowledgment and respect can directly impact employee retentionWhy people remember experiences and human moments more than systems or processesThe connection between storytelling and making organizational values visibleHow stories build trust internally and externallyWhy values only matter when leaders actively recognize and celebrate themJulienne’s insight on the danger of “commoditizing relationships” at workJerome’s reflection on how storytelling helps organizations attract people aligned with their valuesResources & Links 🎧 Listen to our full conversation with Chris Dyer: Moments That Matter with Chris Dyer Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    10 min

  5. Jun 1

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss the LIVE Storytelling Event

    “Stories reveal something universal precisely because they are so specific.” In this debrief episode of Leadership Story Talks LIVE, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on the powerful themes that emerged from the latest Stories That Shaped Us live event featuring Kelly Skwarcan, Christy Pretzinger, and Jen Mueller. Together, they explore what the stories revealed about leadership, kindness, connection, vulnerability, and what it really means to “win.” From stepping away from toxic environments, to creating space for others to shine, to building businesses rooted in kindness, the conversation uncovers how deeply personal stories can illuminate universal truths. Jerome and Julienne also reflect on why people are so hungry for authentic connection right now — and how storytelling helps us feel less alone in an increasingly divided world.  You’ll Hear Why the stories from this live event all connected around the idea of “winning” — and redefining what winning really means How great leadership often means stepping out of the spotlight so others can shine Why specific, deeply personal stories often reveal the most universal truths The connection between storytelling, belonging, and feeling less alone How curiosity and listening can counter division and polarization Julienne’s realization that storytelling can permeate even everyday communication like emails and updates Why storytelling is less about memorizing words and more about being present and connected in the moment Resources & Links Listen to the full Leadership Story Talks LIVE event episode: HERE The Listening Lab Want to deepen your listening, storytelling, and communication skills in a live community setting? Take advantage of a special free one-month trial of The Listening Lab: The Listening Lab Free Trial: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ Join Us Live Want to experience these storytelling events in real time? Explore upcoming Leadership Story Talks LIVE events here: Narativ Events Page: https://narativ.com/events/ Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    13 min

  6. May 26

    Leadership Story Talks LIVE | Stories That Shaped Us

    “Every single person needs to know that they matter.” In this special edition of Leadership Story Talks LIVE! — "Stories That Shaped Us", we explore the deeply human moments that shape who we become as leaders, listeners, and storytellers. Through stories of resilience, kindness, integrity, and unexpected transformation, this live event reminds us that storytelling is not about polished performance — it’s about presence, connection, and the courage to share what’s real. Featuring Kelly Skwarcan, Christy Pretzinger, and Jen Mueller, this conversation explores the moments that tested them, shaped their values, and transformed the way they lead and connect with others. From career setbacks and self-doubt to acts of generosity and spotlighting others, these stories reveal how leadership is often forged in the quiet, deeply personal moments that stay with us long after the event itself ends.  What You’ll Hear How storytelling becomes a shared act between speaker and listenerWhy leadership is often shaped through adversity, reinvention, and vulnerabilityThe power of kindness, psychological safety, and making people feel that they matterWhat it means to give others the spotlight — and why that can transform leadershipStories about resilience, identity, integrity, and purposeWhy listening is not passive, but an active force that shapes human connectionHow meaningful moments can completely change the way we communicate and leadResources & Links For more on Kelly Skwarcan: Kelly Skwarcan Website For more on Christy Pretzinger: Christy Pretzinger Website WG Content Christy Pretzinger LinkedIn For more on Jen Mueller: Jen Mueller LinkedIn Talk Sporty To Me YouTube Channel Talk Sporty Feedback Platform The Listening Lab Want to deepen your listening, storytelling, and communication skills in a live community setting? Take advantage of a special free one-month trial of The Listening Lab: The Listening Lab Free Trial Join Us Live Want to experience these storytelling events in real time? Explore upcoming Leadership Story Talks LIVE events here: Narativ Events Page Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    53 min

  7. May 18

    Leadership Story Talks | How Women Navigate Family, Work & Burnout with Giovanna Rossi

    “Women are asked to parent like they don’t have jobs — and work like they don’t have kids.” What happens when resilience becomes both a survival strategy… and a catalyst for systems change? In this episode, we sit down with Giovanna Rossi — public affairs strategist, leadership coach, founder of Family Friendly New Mexico, and host of NPR’s The Well Woman Show. Giovanna shares the deeply personal story that shaped her work: watching her single mother walk across the stage to receive her diploma after years of sacrifice, determination, and raising a family while putting herself through school. That experience became the foundation for Giovanna’s lifelong mission: improving the systems that impact women, caregivers, and families. From policy work and workplace culture to burnout, invisible labor, and values-based leadership, this conversation explores what it means to lead sustainably in a world that often rewards overwork and perfectionism. Giovanna also shares practical insights from her Well Woman framework — helping leaders align their values with their actions so they can make meaningful impact without losing themselves in the process. This is a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about leadership, caregiving, resilience, and redefining success.  You’ll Hear The childhood moment that shaped Giovanna’s understanding of resilience and possibilityHow her mother’s experience as a single parent inspired her work in systems changeWhy career paths are rarely linear — and how “squiggly lines” often lead to purposeThe hidden conflict many caregivers face: “parent like you don’t have a job, work like you don’t have kids”How burnout is often tied to living out of alignment with your valuesGiovanna’s framework for distinguishing between what’s urgent and what’s truly importantWhy community and group support are essential for women leadersThe invisible workload women often carry — and the pressure to appear perfect and productiveHow workplace policy changes can help women and families thrive instead of merely surviveWhy Giovanna believes busy women are the ones most capable of changing the world Resources Well Woman Life The Well Woman Show (NPR): The Well Woman ShowFamily Friendly New MexicoGiovanna Rossi on LinkedIn: Giovanna Rossi LinkedIn@wellwomanlife on Instagram and FacebookExperience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    31 min

  8. May 11

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Cultural Differences in Business

    “The more you understand where someone comes from, the more you understand how they show up.” In this debrief episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on their conversation with Dean Foster—and the deeper implications of culture in how we listen, lead, and connect. What begins as a discussion about global cultural differences quickly becomes something more personal: a reminder that culture isn’t just geographic—it’s inherited, lived, and often invisible to us. Drawing from their own backgrounds and past podcast conversations, Jerome and Julienne explore how curiosity about others’ stories can unlock trust, deepen relationships, and ultimately make us better leaders. You’ll Hear - Why culture shapes far more of our behavior than we consciously realize - How exploring your own heritage can deepen your understanding of others - The hidden biases we carry—especially around language, accents, and communication styles - Why curiosity (“How did you get here?”) is one of the most powerful leadership tools - How small investments in understanding others can save time and conflict later - The role of storytelling in uncovering identity, building trust, and fostering collaboration - A simple but powerful call to action: ask better questions and invite stories Key Takeaway We often prioritize efficiency over connection—but when we skip the human context, we lose the very thing that makes collaboration work. Understanding someone’s culture isn’t about memorizing differences. It’s about being curious enough to listen to the story behind the person. Resources Listen to the full conversation in episode #184 with Dean Foster Related episode #67 with Heather Hansen on language, accents, and bias Experience The Listening Lab Great leaders aren't just great communicators—they're great listeners. Start your free one-month trial of The Listening Lab and strengthen one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever develop: https://listeninglabfreespot.carrd.co/ 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. Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events. EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc TWITTER @narativ Buy Julienne’s book ...

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Leadership Story Talks is a podcast hosted by Jerome Deroy, CEO of Narativ, and Julienne Ryan, business author, communication and HR specialist, and frequent Narativ training contributor.In each episode, Jerome and Jules discuss the practices that engage, motivate, develop, retain, and attract people to businesses, whether these are your customers or your employees. Their principles and tools are based on real world stories that leverage listening and storytelling to become a better leader and management professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Narativ Inc
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Narativ Leadership Story Talks
  • Show Website
    Narativ Leadership Story Talks