Intentional Leader with Cal Walters

120: Katie Quesada — Master Storytelling with Story Expert to Fortune 500 Companies

Mar 12, 2025

53:50

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Follow Katie's work: https://katiequesada.com/

In this conversation, storytelling expert Katie Quesada discusses the profound impact of storytelling on personal and professional lives. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in leadership, how it can create emotional connections, and the science behind why stories resonate with us.

Katie shares her journey into storytelling consulting, practical frameworks for effective storytelling, and the significance of personal and family narratives. The discussion also highlights the difference between macro and micro storytelling, encouraging leaders to weave stories into everyday interactions to foster connection and engagement. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of storytelling, emphasizing its importance in leadership and personal relationships.

They discuss the three essential components of a story: context, conflict, and conclusion, and how to effectively balance these elements to engage an audience. The conversation also touches on the significance of vulnerability in leadership, the process of restoring meaning to personal experiences, and the value of storytelling in everyday interactions, particularly within families. The speakers encourage listeners to embrace their unique stories and share them in ways that resonate with others, ultimately highlighting storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and influence.

00:00 The Power of Storytelling

02:59 Katie Quesada's Journey into Storytelling

06:01 The Science Behind Storytelling

09:04 Practical Applications of Storytelling in Leadership

11:56 Mining, Refining, and Reminding Stories

14:59 Personal Storytelling and Its Impact

17:59 The Importance of Family Storytelling

20:57 Macro vs. Micro Storytelling

28:05 The Art of Storytelling

31:24 Understanding the Three C's of Storytelling

35:35 The Balance of Context, Conflict, and Conclusion

40:39 Vulnerability in Leadership