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. 23H AGO

    Leadership Story Talks | A Life Uncovered with Kenny Leahman

    “If I was scattered, the team was scattered—and it was life or death.” What happens when the life you’ve built is also the life you’re hiding inside? In this episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with leadership coach and former CIA officer Kenny Leahman to explore the concept of “living under cover”—and what it takes to drop it. From volunteering for two years in Afghanistan during the height of the war to navigating the internal conflict of living a double life, Kenny shares how extreme environments sharpened his understanding of focus, trust, and leadership. But it’s his personal journey—coming out to his wife, his organization, and ultimately himself—that reveals the deeper cost of inauthenticity. This conversation moves beyond storytelling into something more fundamental: the courage to be seen, the role of self-awareness in leadership, and the transformational power of dropping the covers that hold us back. You’ll Hear – How a life-and-death leadership environment in Afghanistan clarified what truly matters  – Why focus isn’t just a productivity tool—but a signal of leadership and commitment – The surprising parallel between intelligence work and coaching: deep, trust-based relationships  – What it means to “live under cover”—and why everyone, in some way, does – The internal cost of misalignment between identity, values, and behavior – A powerful story of coming out—and the unexpected leadership response that changed everything  – How fear of being “found out” shows up as imposter syndrome in leaders – The role of self-awareness in leadership—and why lack of it can do real harm – How to identify the gap between the values you claim and the values you live – Why dropping your cover doesn’t just transform you—it expands your impact – The three questions every leader should ask themselves: Who am I? Who do I need to be? How do I get there? Resources Kenny's website Connect with Kenny on LinkedIN Kenny's story on Yahoo! News Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    38 min

  2. APR 13

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Finding Values in Stories

    “It’s the responsibility of leaders to embrace vulnerability—because that’s what creates trust.” In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a powerful insight from their conversation with Jim O’Gorman, Chief People Officer at Included Health: values don’t come to life through statements—they come to life through stories. Jim’s example of recognizing employees who embody company values opens the door to a deeper conversation about how organizations can move beyond abstract principles and into lived, everyday behaviors. Jerome and Julienne explore how storytelling—especially authentic, vulnerable storytelling—builds trust and turns values into something people can see, feel, and replicate. Drawing from their work with organizations like Cigna and others, they highlight how simple practices—asking for stories, sharing them, and amplifying them—can create a ripple effect across teams. What starts as recognition of a few individuals quickly becomes a culture where everyone sees themselves in the values and wants to contribute their own stories. At its core, this conversation is a reminder: you don’t need to invent culture—you need to notice it, name it, and share it. You’ll Hear: – From Values to Behavior – Why values only matter when they are demonstrated through real, observable actions—and how stories make that visible. – Authenticity Builds Trust – How leaders who share not just successes but vulnerabilities create deeper connection and credibility. – Recognition as Storytelling – How celebrating employees through stories reinforces culture and creates momentum across an organization. – The Ripple Effect of Shared Stories – Why highlighting a few stories often inspires many more, turning storytelling into a participatory, organic practice. – Start Simple: Ask and Listen – A practical approach to uncovering stories: ask people when they’ve seen values in action, then listen and share. Culture isn’t created in mission statements or posters—it’s revealed in the stories people tell about what actually happens every day. Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    13 min

  3. APR 6

    Leadership Story Talks | Moments That Matter With Chris Dyer

    “If you're going to show up, show up.” Overview What if the moments that shape us aren’t the ones we think? In this episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with leadership expert and bestselling author Chris Dyer to explore how a seemingly small moment—an uncle showing up—created a lifelong philosophy of leadership. From nearly losing his company during the 2009 recession to rebuilding culture from the ground up, Chris shares how he discovered that great leadership isn’t about systems or strategy—it’s about how we show up in the moments that matter most. This conversation challenges leaders to rethink culture, communication, and connection—not as abstract ideas, but as intentional choices made in real time. You’ll Hear Why the most impactful moments in our lives are often not the most obvious onesHow a childhood experience shaped Chris’s belief in showing up fully for othersThe turning point that led him to rebuild his company culture from scratchWhy transparency unlocks better ideas, engagement, and ownershipHow to move from a culture of execution to a culture of thinking and contributionThe surprising downside of traditional one-on-one meetings—and what to do insteadWhy intentionality is the key to making remote teams thriveHow to recognize, shape, and scale the moments that define leadershipThe difference between leaders people tolerate—and leaders people trustResources 🎤 Leadership Story Talks events👂 The Listening LabLinkedIn TikTokInstagramXwebsiteFacebookYouTube Moments That Matter - AmazonHere's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    39 min

  4. MAR 30

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome and Julienne Discuss The Stories That Shaped Us LIVE

    “It doesn’t have to be… the one moment that really shaped me. It’s really up to you to choose which moment you want to talk about as something that shaped you.”  Overview ~ In this debrief episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on their latest Leadership Story Talks LIVE event, exploring what made the stories so powerful—and what they reveal about how we make meaning from our experiences. From a childhood ballet recital… to a summer job at the zoo… to waking up in a hospital after a coma… the stories shared in this live event remind us that transformation doesn’t always come from the biggest moments. Sometimes, it’s the smallest, most ordinary experiences—revisited through a new lens—that shape how we lead, connect, and show up in the world. This conversation unpacks how storytelling helps us reframe our past, connect the dots, and communicate what truly matters—not through polished bios, but through lived experience. You’ll Hear Why powerful leadership stories often come from small, specific momentsHow the same experience can take on new meaning over timeThe difference between a transformational moment and a chosen storyHow storytelling reveals what a bio can’t: values, motivations, and identityThe role of listening, safety, and structure in helping stories emergeWhy courage and vulnerability are essential to sharing stories that resonateHow live storytelling creates unexpected connections and shared meaning Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    16 min

  5. MAR 23

    Leadership Story Talks - LIVE | Stories That Shaped Us

    “Everything actually begins with listening.” In this special Leadership Story Talks LIVE — Stories That Shaped Us event, we explore what happens when storytelling is not a performance… but a shared space. From the very beginning, this session is framed differently. Instead of spotlighting storytellers on a stage, we invite everyone—speakers and audience alike—into a collective experience of listening, reflection, and connection. Featuring Gina Leow, Derek McCracken, and LaNysha Adams, PhD, this episode brings together stories that reveal how leadership is shaped not just by what we say—but by how we listen, how we make meaning, and how we create space for others. This is a conversation about leadership, belonging, and the quiet but powerful impact of being heard. 👂 What You’ll Hear Why listening is not passive—but an active force that shapes how stories are toldHow shifting from a “performance mindset” to a shared storytelling space changes everythingThe power of circles, community, and intentional dialogue in building trust and inclusionStories that explore identity, leadership, and moments of transformationHow leaders can create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valuedA deeper understanding of storytelling as a tool for connection, not just communication🔗 Resources & Links For more on Gina Leow: Connecting Through Circles (book): https://www.amazon.com/Connecting-Through-Circles-Inclusion-Establish/dp/1736422421LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-leow/For more on Derek McCracken: Website: https://narrativemindworks.org/For more on LaNysha Adams, PhD: Social links: https://bio.link/edlingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanysha/Free audiobook for audience: https://bit.ly/mepower4me🎟️ Join Us Live - Want to experience this kind of storytelling in real time? Join us for the next Leadership Story Talks LIVE event on May 21, or explore upc Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    49 min

  6. MAR 16

    Leadership Story Talks | The Gift of Cultural Differences with Dean Foster

    Instead of seeing cultural differences as a problem to overcome, we should see them as the gift they really are.” Overview In this episode, Jerome and Julienne welcome intercultural expert Dean Foster, whose decades of global work helping organizations operate across cultures inspired his book Business Beyond Borders. Drawing on experiences from around the world—from negotiating in Russia to navigating everyday moments in Brazil—Dean explores how culture shapes the way people build trust, make decisions, and communicate. What emerges is a powerful reminder: even when we use the same words, we often mean very different things. The conversation dives into the role of humility, curiosity, and listening in global leadership—and why cultural awareness may be one of the most essential skills for leaders in an increasingly interconnected world. You’ll Hear: • How growing up in multicultural Brooklyn shaped his lifelong curiosity about culture • Why cultural expectations can easily derail negotiations—even when you think you understand the culture • Why there are very few true “universals” when it comes to building trust across cultures • Stories from Brazil, China, and Russia that reveal how cultural norms shape everyday business interactions • How organizations often misunderstand their own values when they try to apply them globally • Why humility and curiosity are the most powerful tools for working across cultural boundaries Resources Learn more about our guest: • LinkedIn • Website • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Find Dean Foster's book "Business Beyond Borders: Stories of Culture and Leadership in a Global World"   HERE #leadershipcoaching #listening #culturalexchange #culturaldiversity #storytelling Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    42 min

  7. MAR 9

    Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Values, Story Discovery & Finding the Treasures Already Around You

    “The best stories already exist in the room. It’s our responsibility to help people excavate them and appreciate them.” In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on their conversation with Brad Farris and the powerful link between values and storytelling. Brad’s insight sparks a broader discussion about why organizational values often remain abstract—printed on walls, mentioned during onboarding, but rarely translated into everyday behavior. What begins as a reflection on leadership and agency culture quickly becomes a deeper exploration of where meaningful stories actually come from. Jerome and Julienne remind listeners that the most powerful stories are rarely invented—they are already present in everyday experiences, waiting to be noticed, named, and shared. The conversation also highlights how values can serve as a starting point for discovering stories—both for organizations trying to live their culture and for individuals trying to articulate who they are and what they stand for. You’ll Hear: – Values Come Alive Through Stories – Why company values only become meaningful when people share real moments that demonstrate them in action. – The Stories Already in the Room – How the most powerful examples of culture often come from everyday actions that organizations tend to overlook. – Finding Stories Through Values – A practical way to uncover meaningful stories by reflecting on moments that brought joy, tension, or strong reactions at work. – Starting Points Matter – Why prompts, themes, and constraints help people move past the intimidating “blank page” and begin telling their stories. – Notice the Hidden Treasures – An invitation to capture story ideas whenever they appear—during a meeting, a commute, or even at 3 a.m.—before they disappear. Let this debrief be a reminder: the stories that define your leadership, your culture, or your values are probably already happening around you—you just have to notice them, write them down, and begin telling them. Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    12 min

  8. MAR 2

    Leadership Story Talks | Sequoia, Not Bonsai: Aligning Growth, Culture, and Customer Value with Nicolas Darveau-Garneau

    “You’ve never shrunk to greatness.” - Nicolas Darveau-Garneau Overview In this episode, Jerome and Julienne sit down with Nicolas Darveau-Garneau — former Google Chief Evangelist, growth strategist, and author of Sequoia, Not Bonsai: The Seven Growth Secrets of the World’s Most Successful Companies. Drawing on his experience advising more than 1,000 CEOs and CMOs, Nick shares what truly differentiates the top 5% of companies. The answer isn’t complexity — it’s alignment. Alignment between strategy and execution. Alignment between customer value and internal KPIs. Alignment between culture, experimentation, and long-term profitability. This conversation explores why profitable growth requires openness, disciplined testing, and leadership that paints a compelling future — especially in the age of AI. You’ll Hear • How openness to new ideas — across cultures and generations — shapes strong leadership • The three themes most CEOs lose sleep over: customer delight, profitability, and brand — and why execution often doesn’t align with those goals • Why fewer than 5% of companies truly understand customer lifetime value — and how that transforms growth • The difference between “Sequoia” companies that pursue long-term profitable growth and “Bonsai” companies that over-optimize for short-term perfection • Why the speed and volume of testing may become the only sustainable competitive advantage in the age of AI • Practical advice for AI transformation: start small, reduce fear, paint a growth vision, and create clear career pathways for employees Resources • Sequoia, Not Bonsai: The Seven Growth Secrets of the World’s Most Successful Companies by Nicolas Darveau-Garneau (HarperCollins Leadership) - More info here. • Learn more about Nicolas’ work in AI, growth strategy, and executive education Connect with Nicolas here Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB 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 here

    37 min
See All (191)

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
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Narativ Leadership Story Talks
  • Show Website
    Narativ Leadership Story Talks

You Might Also Like