“We see so often the Peter Principle play out… What we really need in today’s world are unblockers of work.” — Liz Gulliver

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on Liz Gulliver’s insight that many managers are promoted for technical expertise but left unsupported in learning how to lead people. The result? Micromanagement, lost trust, and teams held back instead of propelled forward.

They explore how shifting from “directors of work” to “unblockers of work” can transform leadership today—by creating psychological safety, encouraging authentic conversations, and modeling humanity through shared stories.

You’ll Hear:
– From Micromanagers to Unblockers – Why leadership isn’t about correcting every formula or cell, but asking “What’s holding you back?”
– Learning by Observation – How watching leaders model authenticity, vulnerability, and risk-taking is more powerful than any handbook.
– The Role of Storytelling – Why sharing personal challenges and lessons builds trust and motivates teams beyond metrics and KPIs.
– Supporting New Leaders – How HR, peers, and mentors can help those promoted from technical roles navigate the shift to people leadership.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan speak with James Francis—investor, technologist, and founder of Paradigm Asset Management and Sol.ai—about his groundbreaking framework, Artificial Integrity. With decades of experience managing billions through data-driven systems, James now focuses on a question that impacts us all: How do we build AI that elevates humanity rather than flattens it?

Drawing from his own upbringing in a “can-do” family culture, James shares how curiosity and bold experimentation shaped his thinking—and why those same qualities are vital as we face the opportunities and risks of AI. He explains why traditional approaches to AI ethics fall short, and how Artificial Integrity calls for embedding empathy, justice, and cultural intelligence into AI systems from the ground up.

You’ll Hear:

• Kind vs. Convenient AI – Why a moral compass, not just risk mitigation, must guide how we build technology
• The Loudest Voice Problem – How AI reflects (and magnifies) dominant narratives while silencing marginalized voices
• From Flattening to Amplifying – Why preserving cultural nuance and language is essential to trust and belonging
• Voice Is Not Enough – The difference between mimicking communities and truly understanding them through context, memory, and respect
• Leadership Over Code – Why the future of AI depends less on smarter machines and more on better human leadership

Whether you’re a technologist, business leader, or simply curious about the impact of AI on culture and democracy, this conversation challenges you to think beyond efficiency—and toward building systems rooted in empathy and integrity.

LINKS ~

Artificial Integrity

• Instagram: thesole.ai
• Facebook: SOLE on Facebook
• X (Twitter): @thesoleai
• LinkedIn: SOLE on LinkedIn

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

"…I wasn’t a good athlete and I was never going to be a good athlete, but what I was good at was trying to be a little bit better next time than I was this time." — George Pesansky

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on George Pesansky’s story of running uphill—literally and figuratively. What began as a painful failure in cross-country running became the foundation for a leadership style built on persistence, self-awareness, and learning from what does work.

They explore how George’s insight—focusing not only on mistakes but on consistent successes—can transform how organizations think about leadership, process improvement, and knowledge transfer.

You’ll Hear:
– The Power of Persistence – Why resilience is less about winning and more about showing up, trying again, and modeling accountability.
– Learning from Success – How focusing on what worked can be as valuable—if not more—than dissecting what went wrong.
– Capturing Institutional Knowledge – Why stories from long-time employees hold the keys to process improvement and continuity.
– Reframing “Failure” – How so-called failures can be retold as lessons that shape leadership character and future confidence.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan speak with Andy Goram—also known as The Sticky Guy—a culture, leadership, and engagement consultant on a mission to help organizations create workplaces people don’t want to leave.

Drawing on a pivotal career moment when a manager’s blunt but kind feedback changed his trajectory, Andy shares why being kind, not just nice is the foundation for growth, and how leaders can embed culture through real stories and consistent behaviors.

Through his consulting work and Sticky From The Inside podcast, Andy shows how organizations can move beyond posters and campaigns to make values real—and how small actions from managers can spark meaningful cultural shifts.

You’ll Hear:

• Kindness vs. Niceness – Why telling the truth, even when hard, is the most powerful act of leadership
• Culture is Everyone’s Job – Why engagement can’t be outsourced to HR or a campaign
• The Future Story – How crafting and testing an engaging narrative gives people certainty and connection
• Avoiding Story Fatigue – Why leaders must invite dialogue so stories don’t lose meaning on the way down the org chart
• Momentum Through Small Moves – How simple, consistent actions—like one manager reshaping meeting culture—can ripple through an organization

Whether you’re a CEO rethinking culture or a manager looking to make your “pond” thrive, this conversation offers practical tools and fresh perspectives to make engagement stick.

Resources

• Andy Goram on LinkedIn
• The Bizjuicer website
• More about Andy, his 7 step method, and Bizjuicer here

Sticky From The Inside Podcast

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify
• YouTube
• Amazon

Sticky From The Inside Socials

• Instagram
• X

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

“He failed to even take the most basic action… Instead, the Californian watched, motionless, as Titanic sank into the night.”

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on Kelly Skwarcan’s striking account of leadership failure aboard the SS Californian—a ship that might have saved hundreds of lives after Titanic sank but instead stood by, paralyzed by inaction and then mired in cover-up.

This moment of history opens up a conversation about what real leadership requires today: courage, accountability, and the willingness to hear voices from every level of the organization.

You’ll Hear:
- Silence in the Face of Crisis – Why ignoring urgent signals—whether distress rockets or employee concerns—leads to disaster.

- Integrity vs. Cover-Up – How owning mistakes can build trust, while hiding them erodes it.

- Courage Across the Ranks – The role of “lower-level” voices that speak truth to power, and why leaders must empower them.

- Turning Over Stones – How exploring formative experiences—even from childhood—can reveal the roots of our leadership style today.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan speak with Liz Gulliver—co-founder of Kunik, a community-driven platform helping companies retain and engage working parents and caregivers. Drawing on her own experience as a working parent in high-pressure corporate environments, Liz has built a business around rethinking how organizations approach flexibility, culture, and belonging.

Through candid stories and data-backed insights, Liz challenges leaders to look beyond surface-level benefits and ask deeper questions about what support really means—and why it matters for performance, retention, and diversity.

You’ll come away with a sharper lens on how care responsibilities intersect with leadership, and practical ways to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

You’ll Hear:

• The Myth of “One-Size-Fits-All” Benefits – Why cookie-cutter policies fail to meet real employee needs
• Belonging is Performance Infrastructure – How inclusive cultures directly fuel productivity and retention
• From Perk to Priority – Why supporting caregivers should sit at the heart of your talent strategy, not the edges
• Leaders as Culture Shapers – How everyday actions from managers set the tone for inclusion
• Story as a Bridge – Why sharing lived experiences around caregiving can dissolve stigma and build trust

Whether you’re a senior leader, HR professional, or someone balancing work and caregiving yourself, this conversation offers insight into designing workplaces for the realities of modern life.

Resources:

Liz on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-gulliver/
Kunik web site: www.getkunik.com

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

“We need to cross your streams. We need to have a full Ghostbusters moment.”

In this debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on their conversation with Evante Daniels — unpacking the metaphor of “crossing streams” and what it reveals about silos, purpose, and building cultures that last.

They explore why organizations often keep departments, generations, and perspectives separate—and what becomes possible when you bring them together with intention.

You’ll Hear:
Why Silos Aren’t the Enemy – Jerome explains that silos exist for a reason—but the problem is when they become walls. Storytelling becomes the bridge.

Purpose Breaks Through – When people share why their work matters, others listen differently. Julienne and Jerome share how personal stories humanize strategy and reframe workplace dynamics.

What Happens When Streams Cross – A retreat story brings it to life: when research and sales teams shared the personal why behind their work, respect, empathy—and collaboration—followed.

A Question for Leaders – Are you creating space for departments to connect through story? Or are you still hoping they’ll “just work it out”?

As Julienne says: “We have to take a pause and think about who we’re mixing up.”

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with George Pesansky—executive coach, performance consultant, and author of the upcoming book Superperformance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization (Greenleaf Book Group, Sept. 2025).

George shares how his personal story—running uphill, literally—led him to discover that the real key to success isn’t talent or perfection, but the drive to improve deliberately. From factory floors to the C-suite, he’s seen firsthand how small shifts in mindset, measurement, and leadership can unlock meaningful, repeatable breakthroughs.

You’ll come away with a fresh perspective on what drives sustainable performance—and how to lead teams that don’t just survive, but thrive.

You’ll Hear:

• The Prison of Expectations – Why setting marginal goals keeps us small—and how to break free
• The Golden Hour – How to identify and replicate your team’s peak performance moments
• Stop Fixating on Failure – Why most performance reviews miss the mark—and how to learn from what works
• Empathy as Strategy – How spending time in the break room leads to stronger, more resilient teams
• Purpose + Practice = Superperformance – Why microlearning, consistency, and community matter more than charisma

Whether you lead a nonprofit, a production line, or a leadership team, George’s approach invites you to shift your focus—from pressure to purpose, from output to ownership.

Resources ~

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement
• Facebook: facebook.com/george.pesansky
• X (formerly Twitter): @SuperPerformnz
• Book: Superperformance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization – Greenleaf Book Group (Sept. 2025)

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here