“It’s the responsibility of leaders to embrace vulnerability—because that’s what creates trust.”
In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a powerful insight from their conversation with Jim O’Gorman, Chief People Officer at Included Health: values don’t come to life through statements—they come to life through stories.
Jim’s example of recognizing employees who embody company values opens the door to a deeper conversation about how organizations can move beyond abstract principles and into lived, everyday behaviors. Jerome and Julienne explore how storytelling—especially authentic, vulnerable storytelling—builds trust and turns values into something people can see, feel, and replicate.
Drawing from their work with organizations like Cigna and others, they highlight how simple practices—asking for stories, sharing them, and amplifying them—can create a ripple effect across teams. What starts as recognition of a few individuals quickly becomes a culture where everyone sees themselves in the values and wants to contribute their own stories.
At its core, this conversation is a reminder: you don’t need to invent culture—you need to notice it, name it, and share it.
You’ll Hear:
– From Values to Behavior – Why values only matter when they are demonstrated through real, observable actions—and how stories make that visible.
– Authenticity Builds Trust – How leaders who share not just successes but vulnerabilities create deeper connection and credibility.
– Recognition as Storytelling – How celebrating employees through stories reinforces culture and creates momentum across an organization.
– The Ripple Effect of Shared Stories – Why highlighting a few stories often inspires many more, turning storytelling into a participatory, organic practice.
– Start Simple: Ask and Listen – A practical approach to uncovering stories: ask people when they’ve seen values in action, then listen and share.
Culture isn’t created in mission statements or posters—it’s revealed in the stories people tell about what actually happens every day.
Here's a link to the LISTENING LAB
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.
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EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ
Buy Julienne’s book here
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