On Friday, I had the pleasure of hearing Sally Lou Loveman speak. As Oprah’s former producer, she now inspires audiences by teaching the power of finding your voice and telling your story.
Unsurprisingly, she was terrific.
I love when a speaker delivers a message so pithy and poignant that it stops you in your tracks. And she did just that.
The irony? Her “mic-drop” moment was something I’ve been teaching for ages. But the way she crystallized it into one sentence made it land even harder.
Simply put, she said:
“A good speaker tells you their story; a great speaker tells you YOUR story.”
What Does That Mean for You as a Leader?
The most powerful communicators don’t just share personal experiences—they share them in a way that makes their audience see themselves in the story.
Regardless of the context, the listener connects with:
✅ The relationships described
✅ The emotions
✅ The desires and motivations
✅ The risks and fears
✅ The thought processes
Even if the listener has never experienced that exact situation, the raw truth and vulnerability of the story create a bridge of understanding.
And that’s the key: Relatability is the cornerstone of trust.
More often than not, in leadership, that relatability is a byproduct of transparency and vulnerability.
It’s what makes the listener think:
“If they struggled with this—just like I am now—and they got through it, then maybe I can too.”
That’s when a story goes from merely relatable to inspirational.
Owning Your Story (Without Fear)
Of course, how you tell your story matters as much as the story itself.
If you hesitate—sheepish, nervous, or afraid of judgment—then you invite judgment. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Instead:
Own your story—even the hard parts.
Share your mistakes as learning moments.
Show confidence in your growth, whether the story involves overcoming fear, making a bad decision, or taking a bold risk.
Why? Because your audience will see themselves in it.
They will:
✔ Recognize their own challenges
✔ Relate to the thought process behind your decisions
✔ Feel inspired to follow your success or learn from your mistakes
And when you share your truth with confidence, you build:
- Credibility
- Trust
- Inspiration
Storytelling & Leadership Presence
In executive communication, these qualities form the foundation of what’s regularly referred to as executive presence—a critical skill for leaders at every level.
Whether you’re addressing:
✅ Employees
✅ Investors
✅ Partners
✅ The Board
✅ Potential Employers
The ability to craft and deliver a compelling story directly impacts your ability to influence, inspire, and lead.
Applying This to Career Transitions
It’s the same principle I emphasize in my Quantum Leap executive transition coaching program.
Maybe you’re ready to write the next chapter in your leadership journey, but you’re taking a leap into something that isn’t a straight-line career path.
How do you position your experience in a way that makes them get it?
Hint: Don’t just tell your story… tell THEIRS.
Because when your audience sees themselves in your story, that’s when they truly listen.
What’s the Story You Need to Tell Next?
If you’re navigating a career transition, preparing for a major leadership move, or refining your executive presence, let’s connect.
