Narrative-First Leadership in the Age of AI

What if the story your brand tells could drive growth like nothing else? Park Howell—The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller, Emmy-winning ad veteran, and author of Brand Bewitchery—shows how narrative-first leaders succeed in the age of AI. As host of the Business of Story podcast and creator of the StoryCycle Genie™, he’s helping brands craft powerful stories in minutes, not months.

What You'll Learn

• Why storytelling itself hasn’t changed—but storytellers have
• How AI can scale authentic brand storytelling without losing your voice
• What it means to treat stories as strategic business assets
• How leaders can use narrative frameworks to drive clarity, trust, and growth
• Why speed now matters more than perfection in brand strategy

(00:00) Intro

(01:28) Story as the oldest technology

(03:53) The StoryCycle system and brand growth

(05:44) From months to minutes with AI-powered narrative strategy

(10:35) Accuracy and authenticity in AI storytelling

(13:25) How storytellers are changing—even if stories aren’t

(17:11) Building a personal and brand story library

(24:48) Brands that made Park smile (and grimace)

Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller. An Emmy Award–winning, 40+ year advertising veteran, Park has helped purpose-driven brands grow by as much as 600 percent by putting story at the center of business strategy. He is the author of Brand Bewitchery, co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business, and host of the Business of Story podcast. Park is also the creator of the StoryCycle Genie, an AI-powered tool that helps leaders craft a powerful brand narrative in minutes, not months. He works internationally with executives who want to lead—and grow—through story.

Park shared a great experience with Navy Federal Credit Union, praising their clear sense of purpose and people-first culture, summed up in their tagline: “Our members are the mission.” In contrast, a less-than-inspiring flight with United Airlines—complete with a dangling exit sign and spotty Wi-Fi—served as a reminder that brand storytelling always shows up in the experience, whether you like it or not.

Resources & Links

• Connect with Park on LinkedIn.
• Check out The Business of Story and StoryCycle Genie.

Support the Show

• Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.
• Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.
• Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.
• Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.

On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices