A leader’s secret weapon is not just their knowledge or expertise—it’s their story. By communicating with passion and authenticity, you light a path for others to follow.

Storytelling as a compelling communication tool isn’t new, but when done with intention, it becomes a powerful catalyst for change. It’s not merely about filling time or eliciting laughter—it’s about sparking thought, evoking emotions, and ultimately advancing our collective perspective.

The Art of a Well-Told Story

At its core, a great story is simple yet rich. It uses just enough descriptive language to invite the audience into the storyteller's world without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

When our political environment heats up, great people are called to action. They want to do something, and all too often, they decide that they should start a nonprofit. I wonder if sometimes the desire to start a nonprofit is rooted in the founder, not the need. While there are indeed good reasons to start new nonprofits, the model as we know it isn’t always the most efficient way to make a difference.

As December slides into January each year, I take a little time to Winter. I read a book a few years ago, Katherine May's Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times. It is a beautiful read, and describes the process of wintering as not something tied to the seasons, but rather a time taken for our soul to hibernate, to strip down to its necessities, to heal, to restore and rest.