In this debrief episode, hosts Julienne Ryan and Jerome Deroy reflect on their compelling conversation with Dr. Neal Baer—renowned TV producer, medical doctor, and storytelling educator—focusing on one powerful idea: “Data. Emotion. Action.”

Using this quote as a springboard, they explore how storytelling transforms dry statistics into narratives that resonate—and ultimately drive change. From justice reform to on-the-ground fundraising, they share personal stories where this triad has shown up in powerful ways.

You’ll Hear:

Storytelling with Purpose – How the “Data. Emotion. Action.” framework helps tailor stories to specific audiences, from policymakers to healthcare providers.

The Power of Voice in the Justice System – How Measures for Justice turns numbers into stories that humanize criminal justice reform—and catalyze systemic change.

A Cocktail-Hour Pivot – Why a last-minute decision to share a story at a fundraiser turned a routine speech into a moment of connection and transformation.

From ER to Harvard – How Dr. Baer’s eclectic journey from medicine to TV to academia exemplifies the power of building with a “Yes, and” mindset.

Why Lived Experience Matters – A reminder that your personal story, when shared with intention, can make a tangible difference in how others see the world.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Data Alone Isn’t Enough – Real change happens when stories infuse data with meaning and human connection.

✅ Audience Clarity is Key – A story that moves a policymaker may differ from one that moves a patient or donor—know who you’re talking to.

✅ Build With “Yes, And” – Embrace non-linear journeys. Seemingly unrelated experiences often fuel the most powerful leadership stories.

✅ Tell the Story—Even When Advised Not To – Sometimes the most impactful moments come when we trust our instincts and share something real.

✅ Stories Spark Action – When stories are rooted in data and delivered with emotion, they don’t just inform—they inspire and mobilize.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Dr Neal Baer’s work continues to shape storytelling for social change—and how you can apply his insights in your own leadership journey.

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, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with Charles Bernard—sales improvement expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Criteria for Success and Collavia. Charles brings more than two decades of experience helping organizations align their strategies with the modern buyer’s mindset. His mantra? Enable buying in a world of selling.

From a chance encounter in a corporate elevator to leading multi-million dollar deals, Charles shares the origin story that launched his sales career—and the powerful moment of advocacy that changed his life. His story underscores a central theme of the episode: the power of being seen, supported, and given a seat at the table.

You’ll hear:

• The difference between selling and enabling buying—and why it matters
• How asking “What does the buyer need to buy right now?” changes everything
• Why shifting your story from product features to client impact drives results
• The importance of combining philosophy and mechanics in leadership
• How one client saved millions in healthcare costs by reframing their sales pitch
• How structured storytelling builds connection and culture across teams

From sales to leadership to team dynamics, Charles illustrates why context, clarity, and authenticity are the real game-changers.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

www.criteriaforsuccess.com
www.collavia.com

linkedIn posts by Charles Bernard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbernard1/

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 debrief episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan revisit a powerful moment from Episode 142 with Gary Danoff:

Inspired by Gary’s candor, Jerome and Julienne explore the transformative power of reframing difficult experiences—especially layoffs—as catalysts for personal and professional growth. They share personal stories that illustrate how setbacks often become the seeds of purpose, wisdom, and clarity in hindsight.

You’ll hear:

• Why origin stories rooted in adversity build credibility and trust
• How sharing pain points, when done intentionally, can support others
• Jerome’s own “bus of shame” layoff story—and the values it helped him uncover
• The underrated power of acknowledgment and appreciation in the workplace
• Why leaders should mine their past for stories that inspire and connect

Whether you're navigating a professional transition or supporting others through change, this episode offers insight—and a dose of gratitude—for the unexpected lessons along the way.

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

What if the secret to stronger workplace connections and higher engagement could be found in your mailbox?

In this episode, Jerome and Julienne sit down with Amy Daughters—keynote speaker, author, and advocate of handwritten letters—as she shares the incredible journey that started with writing notes to a grieving acquaintance and led to a profound reconnection with over 600 Facebook friends.

Amy tells a moving story about her father’s unconventional summer camp rituals that taught her the power of being seen. That same power, she’s discovered, lives in the simple act of a handwritten note. From three-sentence messages that employees keep for decades, to short acknowledgments that create champions out of coworkers and customers, Amy demonstrates how analog tools can solve digital-age problems—especially when it comes to leadership and employee engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why handwriting someone a note may engage them more than any digital message
• How recognition—when made tangible—turns people into champions for your mission
• The impact of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership communication
• How a handwritten culture can counteract disengagement and build lasting trust

Links to learn more and connect with Amy Daughters:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

X -

Website

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 debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on their conversation with Taylor Scott, author of Lead With Hospitality and the upcoming Give Hospitality. They dive deeper into a powerful quote from Taylor:

Drawing on their own stories, they explore what it really takes to foster that kind of workplace. Jerome recalls a surprising moment of mentorship during his early career in finance, while Julienne emphasizes the enduring power of respect and acknowledgement in professional environments. They highlight how small human gestures can make a big impact—and how sharing lived stories within an organization helps bring core values to life.

Key Takeaways

• Meaningful work is often created not by the task itself, but by how people are made to feel in the workplace.
• Leaders can turn values like “respect” into tangible experiences through small acts of appreciation and support.
• Storytelling helps surface and scale meaningful moments across teams, breaking silos and rebuilding connection.
• You don’t need to overhaul your culture overnight—start with one value, one story, one human connection.

Related Episodes and Resources

• Episode 140: Leading with Hospitality – Interview with Taylor Scott
• Lead With Hospitality by Taylor Scott

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 powerful conversation, Jerome and Julienne speak with Dr. Neal Baer—award-winning television showrunner, physician, and educator—whose career has spanned medical dramas like ER and Law & Order: SVU to pioneering a graduate program at Harvard that fuses storytelling and health. Dr. Baer reflects on how his personal journey—particularly coming out later in life—has shaped the narratives he brings to the screen and the classroom.

He shares stories about shaping public perceptions of HIV through characters on ER, introducing groundbreaking health messaging like U=U on Designated Survivor, and mentoring students who are transforming public health through narrative, art, and data.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders and storytellers can create change by pairing emotion with data and action.
• Personal stories and cultural context help bridge gaps in healthcare access and understanding.
• Great storytelling often emerges from personal struggle, risk, and lived experience.
• Storytelling is not just educational or entertaining—it’s how we know we matter

• Books by Neal Baer:
  • The Promise and Peril of CRISPR – Buy on Amazon
• Health & Storytelling Resources:
  • Harvard Medical School’s Master’s Program in Media, Medicine, and Health
• Referenced Work and Contributors:
  • Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa
  • New York Times Magazine article by Villarosa on HIV in the U.S. South
  • Wildhood by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers
  • Studs Terkel – Working
  • Doris Sommer – Professor at Harvard on narrative and social change

Learn More About Dr. Neal Baer

• Harvard Faculty Profile:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/neal-baer
• In-Depth Interview:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/interview-neal-baer
• Connect with Dr. Baer:
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

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 short debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a powerful moment from their recent conversation with leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry. They explore how a single piece of advice or a simple question—delivered at just the right time—can shape the way we lead, communicate, and relate to others.

Key Themes

• The lasting impact of simple, profound questions
• Mentorship moments that shape leadership philosophy
• The importance of asking, not assuming
• Why answers aren’t always as powerful as the right questions
• The role of listening and pausing in group dynamics and storytelling

Standout Quotes
“How do you want to be received by your audience, and how do you want them to receive you?” – Robert Dickman (via Julienne)

“You’re a giant tractor moving a pebble. Simplify, simplify, simplify.” – Bob Fitzpatrick (via Jerome)

“The answers are in the room. They’ll surface if we give people a pause.” – Julienne Ryan

“It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about the questions you ask.”

Mentioned in This Episode

Robert Dickman – storytelling consultant and author

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 engage with Gary Danoff, an executive coach and former leader at Google and Microsoft.

The conversation explores Gary's formative experiences, particularly his childhood insights into human behavior and communication. They delve into the challenges of career transitions, emphasizing the importance of reframing setbacks as opportunities. The discussion also highlights effective leadership strategies during turbulent times, advocating for personal connections and empathy in leadership roles. Gary shares inspiring stories from his coaching practice, illustrating the transformative power of storytelling and personal engagement in the workplace.

Takeaways ~ Gary's childhood experiences shaped his understanding of human behavior.
Reframing challenges can lead to new opportunities.
Empathy is crucial in supporting clients through transitions.
Leaders should engage personally with their teams during crises.
Business is inherently personal, and leaders must connect on that level.
Creating a safe environment fosters clarity and growth for clients.
Career transitions can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.
Effective leaders lead from the front and show vulnerability.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for leaders to connect with their teams.
Networking and personal connections are vital in today's business landscape.

LinkedIn

Email: gary@garydanoff.com

Podcast: What's Next Now!

Web: www.garydanoff.com

Insta: @garydanoff

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