Storytelling is not a skill exclusive to poets, authors, and musicians – it is a powerful communication tool that the most engaging leaders use to connect with their stakeholders, to lead with humanity, and to be widely understood.
Led by facilitator Chris Seymour, this Diverse Voices session encouraged us to identify effective storytelling techniques and how they support us in becoming more authentic, empathetic, and inspirational leaders. We got vulnerable, shared our own stories and poetry – and had lots of laughs.
Thank you to our volunteer mentors who supported and participated, sharing powerful anecdotes from their own leadership journeys:
- Ru Anwar – Partner, Trowers & Hamlins
- Jack Dale-Dowd – Chief Executive, Contact Theatre
- Najwa Jawahar – Associate Director of Design Management, WSP
- Shefali Kapoor – Director of Communities, Manchester City Council
Key Takeaways:
- Should we stop using the phrase ‘imposter syndrome’? Claim your space—you deserve to be there!
- Check out poet Kae Tempest, an excellent storyteller and an inspiration to facilitator Chris Seymour
- Embrace the cringe – and the silly!
- Tell your story and own it. Keep it concise and memorable, and don’t worry about repeating it to different audiences.
- Empathy is essential, but be mindful not to “walk in someone else’s shoes” to the point of becoming emotionally burdened.
Read the full Storytelling Essentials post-session resources.
A big thank you to our partners
Thanks to our hosts at Contact Theatre and to event sponsor SEC Newgate and programme sponsors Hatch Urban Solutions, and Muse Places. With their support, we can continue to deliver our engaging Diverse Voices series at no cost to participants and help develop Greater Manchester’s most impactful leaders.
Future Events
Thank you to everyone who participated – watch this space for more events in our career-boosting Diverse Voices Essentials series. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
For more resources, to join the Diverse Voices Network, or to learn about supporting this valuable work, visit:
futureofgreatermanchester.com/diverse-voices-network
