Ep. 50 The Biological Power of Stories for Leaders with Kindra Hall

Season #2

“The shortest distance between two people is a story.” My coach Harris says this frequently, and I find it true over and over. In person, in an email, a LinkedIn post, a TikTok…stories change us AND shape our leadership.

 

I‘ve watched Kindra Hall for a long-time as a mentor from afar. Someone who’s doing what I want to do. Author, speaker, and storytelling expert, her stories have impacted me in profound ways (that she didn’t even realize!). 

 

I was thrilled she joined me for another podcast episode. We really got into the science of storytelling and it was such a great reminder to me that storytelling is quite literally a part of our DNA. It’s how we evolved as humans (and how we continue to!). 

 

We shared laughs about keynote speaking and how people often overlook stories as a form of learning. But as a teacher and keynote speaker, I’ve seen stories awaken sleepy students and executives! But not just to entertain, but as a powerful leadership tooI. I loved how Kindra put it: “Would a scorpion not use their poison? Would a Zebra not use their stripes?” It’s a superpower only humans have and to say you don’t need story is to say you’re not human.

 

If you have overlooked finding and using stories in your leadership, join this conversation. And then…I’d love to hear your story!

Here’s what we talked about:
03:45 Who is Kindra Hall?

07:47 How Kindra discovered the power of storytelling

12:50 Defining what a story is

16:11 The proof that stories can persuade

18:30 The science behind storytelling

Links:

The Story Edge:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400228573/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_ZY7DVCSS8HMBHN905JBZ?linkCode=ml2&tag=jennwhitmer0a-20

The Joyosity Leadership Retreat:

Work on your leadership stories with Jenn and other women who are leading. Reset. Reimagine. Revive.

https://jennwhitmer.com/joyosity-retreat