254 - Storytelling Is A Superpower — with Michael Margolis
Aug 16, 2023
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Michael Margolis, CEO of Storied, discusses the power of storytelling and its influence on perceptions and purchasing decisions. They explore the concept of provenance in food and its connection to storytelling. The importance of creating a unifying shared narrative is emphasized, along with the role of positioning, differentiation, and storytelling in business. They introduce Brand Lab, a project to unlock creativity skills, and discuss the value of design thinking in business. The challenges of translating design to the executive boardroom and the need for humans to be better storytellers are also explored.
Storytelling is the number one superpower of humanity and the exercise of storytelling develops fundamental skills for the future.
Character beats credentials in personal and professional contexts, highlighting the importance of authenticity and connection.
Embracing creativity and integrating it with business principles is a key factor for success in the changing landscape of work and the future of business.
Deep dives
The Power of Narrative and Storytelling
In this podcast episode, Michael Margolis emphasizes the importance of narrative and storytelling in our lives. He believes that narrative is the number one superpower of humanity. By building our semantic fluency and narrative intelligence, we can become better storytellers. Margolis discusses how all memory is tied to strong emotions and stories, highlighting the deep connection between emotion, story, and memory. He also explains that people don't buy products, they buy the story attached to it, both the story the seller tells and the story the buyer tells themselves. Margolis underscores the significance of narrative in shaping our perception of value, using examples like a Zippo lighter, a wedding band, and rare craft chocolate. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of narrative in innovation and the need to shift our focus to the future instead of relying solely on research or past achievements.
Character Trumps Credentials
Michael Margolis discusses the power of character over credentials in personal and professional contexts. He highlights that character is about revealing one's true self and communicating a point of view. Margolis explains that storytelling is a way to reveal character and create a connection with others. He emphasizes the importance of leading with conviction and belief in one's narrative, as this authenticity helps build trust and credibility. Margolis also notes that as we progress in our careers, the focus shifts from technical competence to relational skills and the ability to inspire, motivate, and persuade. He encourages individuals to embrace their unique story and use it to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
The Future of Business and Creativity
Michael Margolis discusses the changing landscape of work and the future of business and creativity. He highlights the shift towards remote work and the increased freedom to live and work in new locations. Margolis notes that technology has played a significant role in enabling this shift. He emphasizes that everyone has a creative side waiting to be unleashed, and that businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of design thinking. Margolis encourages individuals and businesses to embrace the future, adapt to new possibilities, and find ways to integrate creative thinking and business principles. He suggests building a platform or marketplace that connects businesses with creatives, bridging the gap and creating opportunities for collaboration.
The Power of Your Own Story
Michael Margolis highlights the power of storytelling in shaping our personal and professional narratives. He encourages individuals to find and embrace their own unique story, as it is the one thing that sets them apart. Margolis suggests that our story reveals our character and helps others understand who we are and what we stand for. He emphasizes the importance of owning and sharing our story, as it allows us to connect with others and build trust. Margolis also advises individuals to find the intersections between their story and the needs of their audience or community, and to position themselves as a catalyst for transformation and growth. By doing so, they can create a positive impact and empower others to find their own voice.
The Importance of Integrating Business and Creativity
The podcast episode discusses the importance of integrating business and creativity. It emphasizes that change is often seen as a constraint or loss, but it is crucial to tell a positive and compelling love story about the future. The episode explores the idea of having a central character who embodies both business and creativity, highlighting the need for alignment and purpose. It also acknowledges the challenge of integrating different perspectives and overcoming the conflict between creativity and business. The episode suggests that businesses and individuals who embrace both creativity and business have a competitive advantage and points to real-world examples and evidence, such as the success of companies like Apple and the impact of design thinking on performance.
The Power of Language, Wisdom, and Storytelling
The podcast episode delves into the power of language, wisdom, and storytelling in the age of AI and technological disruption. It emphasizes the significance of learning the language of the world one wants to be a part of, as language fluency leads to belonging and agency. The episode highlights the evolving role of language in the AI era, where words and semantics become the new code. It suggests that the winners in this era will be those with strong taste, discernment, and the ability to make effective choices. The episode also underscores the importance of narrative intelligence and storytelling as the universal source code, helping individuals and organizations make sense of exponential change and create a compelling vision of the future.
Michael Margolis believes that narrative storytelling is the #1 superpower of humanity, and that the three most important, fundamental skills for the future all come from the exercise of storytelling. As the CEO of Storied, a strategic messaging and leadership firm, Michael and his team help leaders and teams stand out through story. But why is story so important? and what makes a great story when it comes to a product or a business?
In this episode, Chris and Michael are going to talk about the difference between story and narrative, why disruption should be backed up with data, and why character beats out credentials every time. Beyond just their regular conversation, though, Michael will take Chris through a mock workshop, using Storied’s three step narrative framework. Chris will talk about the Futur’s new project, Brand Lab, and Michael will challenge him to explore different aspects of Brand Lab’s story, so that they can work to find and improve its story. This is a dense and informative conversation, and should give you some things to think about when it comes to developing and refining your own story.