FOR THOSE OF YOU ON A STORY JOURNEY:
Starting in 2010, I took on the challenge of leveraging story in the sale of technology solutions. And it made a difference (Phase 1 of my journey). But my impact was limited by my perspective. I was introduced to a book ‘Orbiting the Giant Hairball’ by Gordon MacKenzie and it changed by life and career. I understood that instead of escaping the mass of the corporate hairball and being out in the nothingness of deep space, I needed to recalculate how I could get in orbit by leverage the mass of the hairball while avoiding being sucked in. And in doing so, have a deeper impact on the success of both the company and our clients. That also made a difference (Phase 2 of my journey). However, leveraging story is as much cultural as it is personal. While I found a number of supporters and even a few disciples, the effort was never adopted and supported by leadership and the beach remained covered in starfish (see below). Additionally, my efforts and impact were constantly threatened by conforming to the status quo. With advancing age and insights, I’ve now found a full-time role at a non-profit and have the privilege and flexibility to help those who desire to leverage story in their sales and leadership roles (Phase 3 of my journey). As I get older, time management is critical. So instead of spending extensive efforts attempting to convert those intrenched in sameness, I now focus on assisting the curious, the ones who believe there is something better…story. So, it you’ve read this to this point, it’s likely your one of the latter. I invite you to reach out to me and I would gladly explore with you how you might be able to better leverage story for your personal and corporate success. Honestly…I enjoy tossing starfish.

I once spoke at the STORY 2017 conference about “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” https://lnkd.in/gTsFaWsD

The starfish story: One day a man was walking along a beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”