What You'll Discover In This Episode:
Driving can be boring.
I mean, yes it’s an important responsibility, I take it seriously, and I have an impeccable safe driving record, but when you’re driving on the same roads every damn day - to and from school, to and from jiu jitsu, to and from errands – driving can be quite boring.
I don’t exactly like being bored, so I always spice up my ride by conversing with my son Erik when he’s in the car or listening to… you guessed it, podcasts and audio books.
I’m a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and I take most opportunities I get to learn about topics that fascinate me and improve my craft.
Well, at the beginning of last year, a friend recommended a business book and being that she was a good friend (and the fact that it was sitting at #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers list), I took her word for its awesomeness and purchased Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall on Audible.
While running an errand across town that weekend, I listened to the book while Erik happily read a Dog Man book in the backseat (or so I thought)..
When we got to our destination 40 minutes later, I pulled into a parking space at and leaned forward to push the Engine Off button.
“Nooo, don’t stop it Mom. Can we just sit in the car and finish the story?” Erik begged.
I was under a time crunch so the answer was no and we headed inside but I thought, Wow! Erik is so enthralled with the storytelling in this business book that he doesn’t want to stop listening. The author’s really doing something right. She’s exemplifying telling stories that bring you in and keep you wanting more.
I was just as drawn into Kindra’s stories throughout the book and loved the content so much that I’ve since bought dozens of hard copies and given them to all of my one-on-one clients.
Why?
Because no matter what field of business you’re in, you need to be able to tell stories that capture your audience and keep them interested so you can sell to them. You can tell stories on your website, blog, signage, print materials, social media, and in person to engage your audience and like Kindra, keep them wanting more.
Effective storytelling is a guaranteed way to capture attention, communicate your value, and make an impact on your target audience.
In this episode of Productivity Straight Talk, I sit down for an entrepreneurial case study interview with the author of Stories That Stick, Kindra Hall, who’s the President and Chief Storytelling Officer at Steller Collective. Kindra pulls back the curtain on her life as a jet-setting public speaker, delivering her message about strategic storytelling, while leading a double life as wife, mom, and business owner. We talk about establishing balance, boundaries, and how she pushes herself to be more productive.
Episode Links & Resources:
About Guest:
Kindra Hall is President and Chief Storytelling Officer at Steller Collective, a consulting firm focused on the strategic application of storytelling to today’s communication challenges. Kindra is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers trusted by global brands to deliver presentations and trainings that inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling.
Kindra is a former Director of Marketing and VP of Sales. She is a contributing editor to SUCCESS Magazine and was guest faculty at the Harvard Medical School. Her book, Stories that Stick: How Storytelling can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences and Transform Your Business debuted at #2 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List and Forbes said it “may be the most valuable business book you read." Kindra’s message spans all industries and her clients include Facebook, Hilton Hotels, Tyson Foods, Target and Berkshire Hathaway and many others.
What began as a storytelling assignment in 5th grade, grew into a passion for not only telling stories, but a mastery for teaching others the methods and science of storytelling so they can better tell their own.
She was a National Champion storyteller (yes, they have those), a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Storytelling Network and has her master’s degree in communications where she conducted original research studying the role of storytelling in defining and revealing organizational culture.
Regardless of the industry, Kindra has become a conference favorite for her clients. The blend of inspiration and education in her keynotes mean that audiences leave feeling excited and equipped to finally put their stories to work in a tangible way. Kindra lives in Manhattan with her husband, young son and daughter. When she is not traveling around the world speaking, Kindra can usually be found at spin class or in Central Park with her family.
