The Starfish Storytellers

Storytelling is an art and a science. It shapes cultures, drives initiatives, and transforms the way we connect with the world. But storytelling isn’t just about entertainment. It’s also a powerful leadership tool. Storytelling influences, inspires, and creates a lasting impact. To all those leaders out there - whether you are in the boardroom, in nonprofits, or in a technical field - remember: how you tell your story can determine how effectively you lead.In this episode, Sally Amkoa, a finance leader for a national insurance company and a leadership storytelling coach, shared her deep love for African storytelling traditions, how she designs storytelling programs for executives, and how she brings impactful storytelling to local nonprofits.

History isn’t just a record of the past - it’s a lens through which we understand power, deception, and the patterns that continue to shape our world today. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stories of organized crime and financial fraud, where the shadows of history reveal the schemes, betrayals, and high-stakes games that still play out in modern finance. In this episode, we welcomed Stefano Siggia, Anti-Money Laundering Consultant and historical fiction author from Belgium, and dive into the realities of his role and the historical storytelling he is doing, peeling back the layers of financial crimes and espionage to see what lessons they hold for us today.His book “The Iron Shadow”, a wartime novel with a twist, is scheduled to be released on May 22nd and can be found on Amazon.

For attorneys, storytelling is more than just a skill—it’s a critical tool for representing their clients effectively. Whether it’s painting a vivid picture in an opening statement, weaving evidence into a compelling narrative, or delivering a memorable closing argument, the art of storytelling has the power to humanize clients and bring justice to life.In this episode, we welcome Ariel Clemmer, Executive Director of 603 Legal Aid, a legal advice and referral center in Concord, New Hampshire that hosts a central call center for people seeking civil legal assistance. During this show, we dive into how attorneys use storytelling to advocate for their clients, how pro bono work has shaped Ariel’s perspective on the legal system, and how storytelling makes opening and closing statements more compelling and memorable. For more information about 603 Legal Aid, visit https://www.603legalaid.org/

Why are young entrepreneur stories so inspiring and what do we love about them? Besides being nothing short of amazing, they remind us that age is but a number when it comes to innovation and success. Our guest, Nico Hessel - founder of Upwork Outbound - shared his remarkable journey of how he turned his vision into a successful venture at age 21. During this episode, Nico shares his passion for entrepreneurship, the roadblocks he overcame to become successful, and how your only path to failure is when you quit.

In this episode, we welcomed Julie Lewis, Senior Pantry Manager at People Helping People, Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts. Julie shares the realities of local hunger and food insecurity, how to change the assumptions that food pantries are only utilized by the poor, how usage has changed over the last four years, and how the stories about the real people who benefit from and volunteer for the pantry elicit impactful contributions from corporate and community donors. To learn more about People Helping People, Inc. or to make a donation, visit https://peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org/.

Elaine Brammer, a seasoned business, marketing, and brand perception storyteller, has crafted inspirational stories for companies such as Microsoft and Schneider Electric (among others). She has also authored the book, “Unforgettable: New Rules for Business Storytelling” where she does a fantastic job of sharing her unique storytelling approach that helped her create award-winning content for Fortune 100 companies. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Elaine gives listeners an abundance of tips and tricks for developing their corporate storytelling muscles. She explains how to enhance case studies by using stories FIRST in sales calls. She guides us down the “So, what?” trail to unearth the best stories. And she tells us how to master the release form so content can be shared with the world. Don’t miss this episode!

In honor of Pride Month 2024, we were honored to hear our friend Danielle Smith’s Coming AWARE story. This UMM Research Administrator shared her journey of when she came out, how the DEI department at the university is making a difference with their inclusive programming, and how best to connect with your queer colleagues, friends, and neighbors. We also share some resources for anyone who may need help. You can check them out here:GLAAD: https://glaad.org/PFLAG: https://pflag.org/The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/