Some people walk into a room and instantly connect. Others? They lose the room without even realising it. What makes the difference isn’t just charisma—it’s storytelling.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Gabrielle Dolan, a global authority on strategic storytelling who’s helped leaders at Amazon, Salesforce, and the Obama Foundation communicate with impact. Gabrielle’s work centers on real, jargon-free communication—and she’s just released her newest book Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI.

Together, we unpack how storytelling goes far beyond “engagement.” It’s how leaders build trust, inspire change, and lead with clarity. You’ll hear real-world examples of how storytelling transforms leadership, from shaping values to guiding teams through uncertainty, and how we can use AI to support storytelling without losing our voice.

In this episode, we cover:

– Why storytelling is the most underused leadership superpower

– How personal stories (not just work ones) create deep human connection
– Four types of stories every leader should master
– How storytelling can make company values and strategy stick
– The right way to use AI as a storytelling coach, not a crutch
– What makes a story sound “braggy,” and how to avoid it
– How to create culture and psychological safety through narrative

My biggest takeaway? You can choose communication that’s easy, or communication that’s effective. And storytelling is what makes communication not only effective, but unforgettable. What stood out to me most is Gabrielle’s reminder that a personal story, told with purpose, doesn’t just convey information, it builds connection. It’s how we create meaning. And in leadership, meaning is everything.

What’s one story only you can tell? And what might shift if you told it?

Kris Millegan - Trine Day | My Family's In The CIA, Golden Triangle, and Ken Kesey